About the Artist Market
The annual Lowell Arts Artist Market is a great opportunity to sell your work during the gift-giving season. Your fine art and fine gifts will be displayed in a gallery setting alongside handmade items from other Michigan artists.
Selected artists will receive a display area within the gallery alongside approximately 50 other artists. In most cases, artists are responsible for setting up their own display.
We are now accepting applications from new artists. Returning artists do not need to apply, but will need to complete a Returning Artist Form, which will be emailed to you.
Application Deadline
August 10, 2026
Event Dates
November 5, 2026 to January 16, 2027
Set Up
October 27 to Nov 4, 2026
Pick up
January 19 to 22, 2027
Application Fee
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There is a $25 fee to submit an application for consideration. Returning artists are not required to pay an application fee.
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Lowell Arts Members with a membership active through December 31, 2026 may apply at no charge.
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Application fees are non-refundable.
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Deadline to apply: August 10, 11:59pm.
Participation Fee
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Artists will be notified of acceptance by August 25.
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All artists accepted to the Artist Market must pay a $45 participation fee to secure their spot.
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Participation fee due: September 5.
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Active Lowell Arts membership is no longer required to participate. Members receive a $10 discount on the participation fee.
How to Apply
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Pay the application fee. Submit the $25 fee through the payment link above. If you'd prefer not to pay online, you can call the Lowell Arts office (616-897-8545) to pay by credit card over the phone, or mail a check to Lowell Arts, 223 W. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331.
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Complete the application form. Fill out the application using the Google Form link [here/above]. The form will ask for:
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Name
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Business name (optional)
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Website or other online presence (optional)
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Contact information
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Short artist bio
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Written description of your artwork
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List of items to be sold, with price range
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Your choice of Option 1, 2, or 3
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3-5 image samples of your work
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Both payment and the application form are due by the deadline: August 10, 11:59pm.
Three Options for Participating
Choose the level of involvement that works best for you. The more you participate in running the market, the higher percentage of sales you keep.
Option 1
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Work 3 half-day sales shifts during open hours.
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Set up your own display.
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Receive 70% of sales.
Option 2
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Work no sales shifts.
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Set up your own display.
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Receive 55% of sales.
Option 3
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Work no sales shifts.
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Lowell Arts sets up your display for you.
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Receive 45% of sales.
Important Dates
Set Up
October 27, 28, 29, 30, November 2, 3, 4
Artists will sign-up for timeslots between the hours of 10am and 5pm.
Sale Dates & Hours
November 5 to January 16
Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12–5pm
The Artist Market will be closed for Thanksgiving (Nov 26), Christmas (Dec 24 & 25), and New Year's (Dec 31 & Jan 1).
Pick Up
January 19, 20, 21, 22
Artists will sign-up for timeslots between the hours of 10am and 5pm.
Artist Market Opening Event
Friday, November 6, 6–8pm
A free event, meet the artists, and enjoy refreshments and a festive, holiday atmosphere.
Christmas Through Lowell, Extended Hours
Friday, November 20, 9am–9pm
Saturday, November 21, 9am–7pm
Sunday, November 22, 11am–5pm
Christmas Through Lowell is an annual, 3-day event put on by Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.
Lowell Arts Members Weekend
December 4, 5, and 6
All members receive 10% off their purchases at the Artist Market.
Staffing
Artists who select Option 1 are expected to volunteer for 3 half-day sales shifts during open hours.
You'll receive an email from an online program called Sign Up Genius, where shifts are listed and you can sign up. You're also welcome to call us if you prefer. Lowell Arts will provide volunteer training, bags and wrapping materials, and all necessary items for a central cashiering station.
Eligibility
Artwork must be high-quality and original, and available at a variety of price points. All mediums will be considered, including pottery, paintings, bead work, photography, jewelry, textiles, glasswork, sculpture, basketry, gourds, wood carvings, ornaments, candles, soaps, and lotions.
Artists must be at least 18 years old and live in Michigan. Artists with gallery representation in the Greater Lowell area should confirm there is no conflict of interest with their current gallery before submitting an application.
Payment Policy
Lowell Arts is responsible for collecting and remitting Michigan sales tax. Customers can pay with cash, personal check, Visa, Discover, American Express, or MasterCard.
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Option 1: Lowell Arts retains a 30% commission; the artist retains 70% of each sale.
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Option 2: Lowell Arts retains a 45% commission; the artist retains 55% of each sale.
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Option 3: Lowell Arts retains a 55% commission; the artist retains 45% of each sale.
Artist checks are mailed in two payments, mid-December and mid-January.
Set Up and Display
This is a gallery show, not a craft show. Pieces need to be well-finished and displayed thoughtfully and beautifully. Artists are responsible for setting up their own display, which must be neat, appealing, and professional. Committee organizers will adjust merchandise and displays as they see fit.
Space
Artists are asked to provide Lowell Arts with their space needs (e.g., wall space) and the dimensions of any display item, furniture, or rack to be used. A form will be sent so artists can communicate these needs, and space will be assigned based on each artist's individual needs. Space assignments are subject to change at the discretion of event organizers. Spaces range from 3 to 6 feet of floor area. Artists are encouraged to make use of vertical space in their display.
Walls
Artists may use the gallery walls for hanging artwork. Only small finish nails should be used; nails will be provided. Do not leave marks on the walls, even pencil marks. Poster putty is fine, but no other tape, hooks, or nails may be used. Artwork can be hung salon style. Wall-hung work should be accessible with a step stool.
Displays
Artists should supply their own displays, racks, tables, and black table coverings. Set-up crew leaders will approve displays with the goal of creating a unified, professional overall presentation. All shelving and rack displays must be approved in advance. Displays should be sturdy, in good condition, and professional. The backs of displays should also be attractive or covered so adjacent artists don't have a mess showing. Boxes or stands used in displays should be nice baskets or boxes, not plastic unless acrylic.
Table coverings must be black, reach the floor, and be ironed and wrinkle-free. Displays may be enhanced with solid color overlays in white, silver, or red (no lace, no draped garland). If a table is finished with paint or is natural wood, it may not need a covering. Please ask if you're unsure.
Artwork
This is a juried show, and all artwork must be representative of the images and descriptions previously provided by the artist. If there is a change or addition to the type of artwork to be displayed, please notify Lowell Arts in advance so the new items can be approved.
Only artwork by the selected artist may be displayed. Artists should provide artwork that is priced, labeled, and ready for display, along with additional stock as needed.
Tagging & Backstock
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Artists are responsible for tracking their own inventory. Each item must have its own tag, securely attached. For larger items and items hung on walls or fixtures, make sure the tag is visible without having to move the item.
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Each artist will be assigned a three- or four-letter code (most likely the first 3-4 letters of the artist's last name). All items must be priced in $.00 or $.50 increments, and priced at $3.00 or more.
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Artists are encouraged to bundle smaller items together (e.g., cards).
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Write tags neatly, or use typed tags. Only the artist code and item price are required; descriptions and inventory numbers are optional and will not be recorded.
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Signage and labels should be neatly made. No markdowns or discounted sales are permitted.
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Regardless of size, all items (or items sold as a group) must be individually labeled and priced. Purchasers need to arrive at the checkout counter with their items already labeled with the artist code and a price. Pricing such as "one for this price, three for a discounted price" is not allowed.
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Back Stock: Artists are encouraged to keep additional stock in the back room. Back stock should not be stored under an artist's table. Staff will restock items as instructed by the artist.
Security
While staff and volunteers will carefully monitor the gallery during open hours, the Lowell Arts Artist Market is not a risk-free event. Lowell Arts does not assume financial responsibility for theft or damage to artwork or merchandise on the premises. Artists must understand this risk and take measures to minimize it in how pieces are displayed for sale. Jewelry is particularly vulnerable; jewelry items must be displayed so they cannot easily be pocketed. All small items need backing or mounting large enough to discourage theft.
Copyright Agreement
As the copyright/trademark owner of the original work, prints, digital images, and text supplied to Lowell Arts, the artist grants Lowell Arts, and those acting on its behalf, permission to use images of the copyrighted or trademarked work to publicize the sale, as well as in promotional materials for the organization.
Hold Harmless Agreement
The artist agrees to release and hold harmless Lowell Arts, other artists or volunteers working on behalf of Lowell Arts, and the employees, officials, agents, and members of Lowell Arts from any and all claims, demands, actions, complaints, suits, or other forms of liability arising out of, or caused by, the use or sale of the artist's artwork. Lowell Arts does not assume financial responsibility for theft or damage to artwork or merchandise on the premises. The artist understands this risk and will not hold Lowell Arts liable for losses associated with displaying artwork at Lowell Arts.